True Stories Sharing the Art and Science of Fascinating Insects

Briar Patch Habitat I – Virginia and James

For the Historical Archives. It’s 2017, and Virginia here is introducing James Murdock to the hostplant beds at the Original Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch Habitat, in downtown Eatonton, Georgia. The record books reflect that James was one of some 313 visitors to the Briar Patch Habitat this 2017, to receive a personal tour, provided by Virginia C Linch, herself.

As word spread throughout Georgia and points east of the Mississippi, the town of Eatonton resolved that with the growing popularity of the Briar Patch Habitat, and its potential for future high numbers of visitors, the municipality would offer a new, very desirable site in town for Virginia’s Butterfly Miracle.

Summoning her closest circle of Habitat supporters, Virginia considered the offer . . . and then agreed to the Herculean task of uprooting the Habitat’s thousands of perennials, shrubs and trees, as well as the tower, Papa’s Porch, and the other hand-made structures there.

With the new location to open in 2018, there’s talk of new attractions, and soon, Butterfly Celebrations, culminating in annual Butterflies and Blooms Conventions. Middle Georgia, and Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair? Poised for a butterfly Convention feat, that will attract visitors from here, there and everywhere.